Proof of Immunizations?

Less than three weeks from my trip to RSA. Someone told me that on their last trip to the RSA they were asked for proof of immunizations by an immigration official (not sure if it was SA or US). Do I need this? Any thoughts or experiences?

It was a real surprise to me that I needed to get immunized in the first place.
I never entered the country (Senegal) (pass port control). Hell, I never left my seat on the plane on the re-fueling stop.
Still need the certificate!

So, just because you depart from the USA does not mean you are home free.
Check the rules.
Sometimes they just decide it is enforcement day.
Know your details!!

I'm not doubting Brickburn but this was not the case last month when I flew to RSA with a stopover in Dakar. Like so many other things in Africa, it may just depend on who's on duty and their mood at the time.

As a side note. I did have my YF card with proof of Yellow Fever vaccination along, just in case.

Randy

If you transit Dakar, which is an Endemic Yellow Fever area, or any other such country a proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required.
Even if you never leave the plane.

If you do not have it they can refuse your entry.

The airlines were clueless when I called them.
Home office confirmed the requirement.

I'm not doubting Brickburn but this was not the case last month when I flew to RSA with a stopover in Dakar. Like so many other things in Africa, it may just depend on who's on duty and their mood at the time.

As a side note. I did have my YF card with proof of Yellow Fever vaccination along, just in case.

Randy

Click to expand...

As always, depends on who decides to enforce the rules on the day of arrival. After I spend all the money to arrive and go hunting I was not going home or being quarantined.

Here are three sources of information on the subject that repeat the same result.
If you transit through Senegal you need a YFC.
I was not going to argue the fine point that I did not technically transit Senegal but I did cross it's border.
Your choice!

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE CERTIFICATE?If you arrive in South Africa without a valid Yellow Fever Certificate, you will be: refused entry; or
quarantined until their certificate becomes valid, or for a period of not more that six days;
those with an exemption certificate due to medical reasons may be allowed entry and required to report any fever or other symptoms to the health authorities and be placed under surveillance.
If there is no Port Health Officer at the point where you enter the country, you will be refused entry into South Africa.

YELLOW FEVER REGIONS
The following countries are Yellow Fever regions: